They say a string of home burglaries are prompting a warning to residents.

Investigators say a woman is knocking on residents’ doors claiming to look for someone who “used to live in the area”. They say she distracts the homeowner, then steals whatever she can get her hands on before leaving.

Officers say her method of distraction is to ask to use the telephone or ask for a drink of water or to use the restroom.

Police describe the suspect as 5’3″ or 5’4″ with a heavy build, brown hair and brown eyes.

Officers say she usually works between 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.

Call Troy police at 937-339-7525 if you have any information police can use to make an arrest.